Adelaide designated a Creative City of Music by UNESCO

Adelaide's vibrant music scene has led to the city’s formal recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as a Creative City of Music.

Joining 19 global cities noted for their music cultures and 116 cities in the broader UNESCO creative cities network, Adelaide’s application was driven by the city's Festival Centre, the South Australian Government's music development office and by Adelaide City Council.

Welcoming the UNESCO announcement, South Australia Arts Minister Jack Snelling said the designation was a great honour for the city, stating “we have a wonderful range of musical culture in Adelaide, ranging from classical music such as the Australian String Quartet, the Adelaide Chamber Singers, right through to our wonderful rock bands who cut their teeth here in Adelaide - bands such as Cold Chisel.”

Under threat from noise and legal issues in recent years, changes affecting South Australia's liquor laws were aimed have encouraged venues to have live music performances.

Highlighting this, Minister Snelling added “the Government has a particular commitment to live music because that is really where our wonderful artists of the future are able to cut their teeth, so we've made particular investment in that area to make sure that it's a scene that thrives.”

Music SA General Manager Lisa Bishop, said the formal recognition was well deserved, telling the ABC “on average, we see over 950 live music gigs a month in 150 venues just in the city and the outer suburbs, so that's not [even] taking into account all the incredible activity happening in the regions.

"There is just a willingness for businesses, arts and music organisations to work together and deliver programs that create more jobs, bigger audiences and thriving venues."

Adding that further changes could still be made to facilitate live music, Bishop stated improvements could make “it less bureaucratic for venues to stage live music, and to do it at a best-practice level”, and concluded "I think there's more opportunity in the regions to create regional touring circuits, to make that more affordable for artists and ... there's still opportunities for commercial radio to acknowledge local artists more."

The South Australian Government and Music SA agreed the listing as a city of music would create more chances for international music collaborations.

Member cities are required to report to UNESCO on their cultural activities every four years.

In October, Adelaide became the first Australian city to join the International Festivals City Network (IFCN). 

Images: WOMADelaide (top) and the Adelaide Guitar Festival (below)..

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